House Passes Funding Bill to Avoid Shutdown, Heads to Senate

House Passes Funding Bill to Avoid Shutdown, Heads to Senate \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The House passed a spending bill Tuesday to prevent a partial government shutdown, advancing the measure to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed. The 217-213 vote saw overwhelming GOP backing, with only one Republican voting against it. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it gives the Trump administration broad spending discretion, particularly in cutting programs through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The Senate will now determine the bill’s fate before the shutdown deadline on Saturday.

House Passes GOP Spending Bill, Senate Battle Looms: Quick Looks

• House Approval – The bill passed 217-213, with only one Republican opposing it.
• Senate Hurdles – At least eight Democrats must support it to send it to Trump’s desk.
• Trump’s Influence – Trump urged GOP unity, blasting dissenting Rep. Thomas Massie as a “grandstander.”
• Democratic Concerns – The bill gives more spending power to Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE agency.
• Potential DC Budget Cuts – The bill could force $1.1 billion in spending cuts for Washington, D.C.
• Shutdown Threat – If the Senate rejects the bill, a government shutdown could begin Saturday.

Deep Look

The House of Representatives passed crucial legislation on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a partial government shutdown and provide funding for federal agencies through September. The bill, approved by a razor-thin margin of 217-213, now heads to the Senate, where it faces a challenging path forward. With bipartisan support necessary for final approval, Senate Republicans must secure at least eight Democratic votes to send the measure to President Donald Trump’s desk.

This spending bill represents one of the most significant legislative tests of Trump’s second term, prompting Vice President JD Vance to personally visit Capitol Hill to rally support among lawmakers. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) took a bold approach, essentially daring Democrats to oppose the measure, which would result in a government shutdown by Saturday if no resolution is reached.

House Republicans Push Through Spending Bill Despite Division

The passage of the spending bill required strong Republican backing, as the GOP holds only a narrow majority in the House. The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with only one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, breaking ranks to oppose the measure, and one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voting in favor.

Following the vote, Speaker Johnson confidently stated, “We did our job today.” His approach had the full support of former President Trump, who urged Republicans to remain united and avoid internal disputes. Trump took to social media, warning GOP lawmakers against dissent, stating, “Remain UNITED — NO DISSENT — Fight for another day when the timing is right.”

However, Massie refused to comply, prompting Trump to attack him online, calling him a “GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble.” Trump even suggested Massie should face a primary challenger, stating, “HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him.”

Despite internal disagreements, the bill advanced, marking a victory for House Republicans. However, the battle now shifts to the Senate, where the measure faces a more uncertain fate.

Spending Bill Details: What’s Changing?

The legislation makes key adjustments to the federal budget, including:

• Non-Defense Spending Cuts: The bill trims $13 billion from non-defense programs, keeping expenditures relatively flat compared to previous budgets.
• Defense Spending Increase: The bill allocates an additional $6 billion to the Pentagon, a modest increase compared to the nearly $1.7 trillion discretionary budget.
• No Changes to Social Security & Medicare: These programs remain on autopilot and are not included in the legislation.

One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is the significant discretion it grants the Trump administration in allocating funds. Democrats are particularly concerned that this leeway could be used to push conservative priorities while cutting back on programs they view as essential.

Democratic Concerns: More Power for Trump & Musk?

Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the bill, citing fears that it would give the Trump administration free rein over spending decisions. A major point of contention is the influence of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly created agency run by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. DOGE has already made headlines for aggressively cutting costs and reducing federal workforce numbers, a strategy that Democrats argue could undermine essential government services.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, criticized the bill, stating:

“This is Republican leadership handing over the keys of the government, and a blank check to Elon Musk and to President Trump.”

One of the most alarming provisions for Democrats is the potential reallocation of funds. A Democratic memo warns that the bill could enable the Trump administration to divert money away from combating the fentanyl crisis and instead direct it toward mass deportation initiatives.

Senate’s Next Move: Will Democrats Block the Bill?

While the bill passed the House, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has yet to take a definitive stance, but Democrats are expected to push back against the measure.

Some senators have already expressed their opposition. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) criticized the bill, saying:

“Republicans are trying to jam through something that is their way or the highway.”

As a potential alternative, Senate Democrats introduced their own spending measure on Monday night. Their bill would extend government funding through April 11, serving as a backup plan if the GOP-led effort fails. This alternative plan provides additional time for negotiations, avoiding the immediate threat of a shutdown.

Political Fallout: Who’s to Blame for a Shutdown?

Both parties are preparing for the political consequences if the bill fails. Speaker Johnson has accused Democrats of attempting to force a shutdown, while Democrats argue that the Republican-controlled government is responsible for crafting a partisan, non-negotiable bill.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) strongly opposed the measure, stating:

“This Republican shutdown bill does nothing to enhance the American dream. It undermines it.”

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) emphasized that Republicans would bear full responsibility if the government shuts down, stating:

“If the government shuts down with a Republican House, Republican Senate, and Republican president, it will be solely because the Republicans have moved forward with a terrible, partisan, take-it-or-leave-it bill.”

Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson continues to place the blame on Democrats, telling reporters:

“It looks like they’re going to try to shut down the government.”

Impact on Washington, D.C.: Potential Budget Crisis

The legislation also has major implications for the District of Columbia’s government. Mayor Muriel Bowser has warned that the bill could force the city to make $1.1 billion in spending cuts over the next six months.

Since the district has already passed a balanced budget and is halfway through its fiscal year, sudden reductions could significantly impact critical public services, including:

• Education: Potential budget cuts for schools and educational programs.
• Public Safety: Reduced funding for police and emergency response services.
• Social Services: Limited resources for housing, healthcare, and food assistance programs.

City officials are scrambling to assess the potential damage and are urging Congress to reconsider provisions that disproportionately affect the district.

What’s Next? A Crucial Senate Vote

With the House approving the spending bill, all eyes now turn to the Senate. If Republicans fail to secure enough Democratic support, the government could face a shutdown by Saturday. The Senate’s decision in the coming days will determine whether the measure becomes law or if an alternative plan must be pursued.

For now, both parties remain locked in a high-stakes battle, with major political and economic consequences hanging in the balance.

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